Cocoa Pie

Few desserts evoke the warmth and comfort of family gatherings like cocoa pie. This classic Southern dessert is a rich and creamy chocolate custard nestled in a flaky, pre-baked pie crust. It’s simple to make but tastes like a slice of nostalgia.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/2 cup flour or 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pre-baked 9″ pie crust

Instructions:

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the cocoa, cornstarch (or flour), sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Then, add the beaten egg yolks and stir well.
3. Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Whisk continuously as the mixture cooks, ensuring it doesn’t stick or burn. This process takes about 5-10 minutes; the mixture should thicken to a pudding-like consistency.
4. Finish the Custard: Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated.
5. Assemble the Pie: Pour the warm custard into the pre-baked pie shell. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Chill and Serve: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to chill for several hours or overnight. For an extra touch, top with whipped cream or a fluffy meringue made with the leftover egg whites.

Tips for Perfect Cocoa Pie:

• Patience is Key: Stirring constantly while cooking the custard ensures a smooth, lump-free texture. A heavy-bottomed pan is helpful to distribute heat evenly.
• Whisking Magic: Use a whisk rather than a spoon to incorporate air and create a creamy consistency.
• Creative Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle grated chocolate over the pie for a fancy touch.

This pie is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a sweet surprise for someone special. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, bringing smiles to every face at the table.

Looking for more recipes? Check out my Brownie Mason Jar Mix or M&M Mason Jar Cookies for more inspiration.

Cocoa Pie

thisoldbaker

Cocoa Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich, creamy chocolate custard poured into a pre-baked pie crust and chilled to perfection. Topped with whipped cream or meringue, it's a nostalgic treat that combines simple ingredients with comforting flavors.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ½ cup cocoa
• 1/2 cup flour or 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pre-baked 9″ pie crust

Instructions

 

• Mix cocoa, cornstarch, sugar, and salt, then add milk gradually, add in the beaten egg yolks while stirring in a pot over medium to medium-high heat on your stovetop.
• Cook until thick, whisking it until smooth. Don’t stop stirring or leave the pot until it’s nice and thick like pudding.
• Cream Pies take some time to thicken, so stir for (5-10 minutes or until thickened). Using a heavy bottom pan really helps. Just keep it up until it thickens, add vanilla in after you take the pan off the heat and 1 Tbs of butter. Pour into a pre-baked pie shell. Put in the fridge to chill, and add whipped cream if you like. Or use the leftover egg whites for a meringue topping!